This is big, so I'm going to do my best not to gush here. I grew up listening to Cake and being able to cover them is an honor. They're a prolific band, charting platinum records since 1996 and headlining festivals ever since. Still, so many music fans have not heard of them. In fact, one of the other photographers in the pit admitted to me that she had never heard their music until about 5 minutes in the future. I told her she was in for a treat.

​So here goes, Cake are unique as a band. Singer, John McCrea, has a dry kind of crooning voice and an even dryer and more so hilariously cruel way of interacting with the audience. At several points throughout the show he subtly laid into the audience, but my favorite was when he lethargically spouted, “Thank you, to all 75 of you who bought our album and still BUY music.” I actually think he is something of a soothsayer and it took a lot of courage to say that to his fans.

​Of course this kind of attitude is something that Cake fans are used to, as exemplified in their song ‘Rock and Roll Lifestyle', beckoning a seemingly underemployed lackey to explain, "how can you afford your Rock and Roll lifestyle?" They did not play this song. Remarkably, the set was a little subdued for a Cake show. McCrea actually admitted to having bronchitis on stage and apologized to any audience member who might get hit with a projectile cough drop. He discussed how they had picked songs that would strain his voice the least.

What really makes them special is that along with this voice they've carved out a very specific sound unlike any other band. In short, a particular funky, fun, angular Rock and Roll. Vince DiFiore plays complex jazzy trumpet over most songs when he is not adding a psychedelic 90s synth line. Guitarist, Xan McCurdy is influenced by some sort of Country Funk Rock, his staccato riffs are a hugely definitive part of the band's sound. Both players offer sensibilities that quickly remind you of the proximity of their home Sacramento, California to nearby Mexico.

A highlight of the show was their finalé when festival mates Choir! Choir! Choir! came out to sing the gang vocals for 'Short Skirt, Long Jacket', as you can see, it was quite a spectacle and a suitably gargantuan performance as they all danced and screamed on stage. Though always at their sardonic best, I can't wait to see these guys again when they're all healthy and performing at full strength.